Author: Joe Fay

Specifying an elevator – one that meets rigorous code requirements and maintains your design intent – doesn’t have to be complicated. Try using these five tips to simplify the process and get the most out of your elevator interior partner:

Engage your elevator interior partner early. Imagine that you designed an elegant elevator interior using rift cut walnut wood veneer under glass panels. Every element of the cab revolves around that feature – and then you find out your design won’t meet weight requirements.

For this reason, and many more, it is critical to bring your elevator partner in at the onset of a project. Their guidance and in-depth expertise of codes and requirements saves untold time and resources. You’re an expert in design; they’re the compliance gurus. Avoid wasted time and untold hassle: your elevator partner will quickly be able to identify the codes for your particular building and suggest alternatives that fit your vision and comply with the regulations.

Share your design intent. In these early discussions, share your vision for the cab, lobby and hall ways, and the full project. Armed with this context, your elevator interior partner can offer strategies to best meet your needs, such as recommendations on appropriate materials and technologies.

In the case above, to achieve the same rich, professional look of walnut, our team would recommend a lighter-weight and easier to maintain solution, using high resolution images of walnut and ultra-thin Gorilla Glass.

There are ways to ensure that your design – no matter how “customized” or complex – is built to vision if you communicate your full design intent early on.

Talk about the “mandatories.” What are the must-haves for your elevator interior? Meeting fire, weight, and ADA requirements is a given; but what else does your cab need?

For example, your client may require:

Colors that match their logo or branding exactly.

Materials that can withstand heavy use without looking worn.

Surfaces that are easy to clean.

Cabs that coordinate with the lobby’s décor.

A specific design aesthetic that’s new or on trend.

An inexpensive interior that still looks professional and high quality.
Whatever “mandatories” you’re incorporating, your partner can help you integrate them seamlessly and easily into the overall design.

Talk budget. Many architects and designers are hesitant to disclose their budgets. But sharing this information enables your partner to develop the best solution faster. And no, best is not always the most expensive. Talking about the budget opens the door to value engineering, which can help you get the right look and feel at the right price point.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.The best elevator interior partners will have interior specialists on staff to help make your job easier. How?

Design sessions. Meet design experts face-to-face, on the phone, or through Skype to discuss your design intent, needs and get instant recommendations and ideas to expedite your specification process.

Presentation boards.Present your cab design to clients or partners with complimentary presentation boards. Your drawings, material swatches, and project details are laid out on a presentation board to help you make informed decisions and get the required buy-in.

Samples. Get a real feel for the materials that will go into your elevator interior with free samples. A company like SnapCab will immediately send you requested samples or arrange a drop-off to ensure you’re confident in your decisions.

Quick timelines and turnarounds.You don’t have time to wait for architectural drawings or material spec sheets. The right strategic partners will get you the information you need in days. Or hours, if necessary.

Trust and communication; those are the hallmarks of a successful partnership. Early and ongoing discussions ensure the specification process is streamlined and effective. And you’ll have the results to prove it.